Pimentel seeks assurance PNP not acting as security, private army for POGO ‘big bosses”

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III on Tuesday raised the possible existence of private armies around the “big bosses” of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry.

“Talagang nagklaro na yata si Chief PNP talaga at si [Interior Secretary] na number one, bawal na ang [Police Security and Protection Group] magbigay ng private security to these POGO big bosses, operators kasi medyo sumosobra na, ginawang private army ‘yung mga security nila. And then even si [Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency] said that per their records wala ding naka-assign,” Pimentel said at a Senate hearing on POGO’s costs and benefits.

“[PNP Investigation and Detective Management Director Police Major General Eliso Cruz] might know the law on private army… Kung hindi ito police officers, hindi military people, hindi rin protective agents, then this might fall under the definition of a private army under our existing laws. What can you say Gen. Cruz?” asked Pimentel.

Pimentel also wanted to know if members of the PNP Highway Patrol Group were assigned to be escorts of POGO operators.

Cruz, in response, said PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. had already directed them to work on the reported security being provided to POGO personalities by PNP personnel.

“That is the directive of our Chief PNP to work on this reported security being provided to POGO personalities by reportedly PNP personnel or protection agents. These are not allowed by the PNP,” Cruz said.

The PNP official said different local unit commanders of the PNP were directed to initiate actions on this, especially for those who are reportedly bringing firearms outside of residences without the proper authority.

“So our different chiefs of police, even the provincial directors and even the district directors of Metro Manila were directed to coordinate in the establishments where these scenarios are being reported, especially in gambling establishments, casinos, and even 5-star hotels,” he added.

Last week, Azurin said the PNP was reviewing the deployment of security-protective custody police officers to VIPs, admitting that they did not “anticipate” that the PNP would be providing bodyguards to POGO operators.

He explained these private individuals are requesting security from the PNP-PSPG to ensure “direct contact” with the country’s police force.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. already ordered a halt to the deployment of police security details to private foreign individuals working in the POGO industry. — DVM, GMA News

Pimentel seeks assurance PNP not acting as security, private army for POGO ‘big bosses”
Source: Filipino Viral News PH